Sunday, July 22, 2012

Recent Faves

Are you guys keeping cool during these sweltering days? While in years past I would take every opportunity to soak up sunlight, this year finds me seeking refuge in shades and air-conditioned cafes more often than not. Still, I like to enjoy the summer mornings and evenings outside. I found a great routine for the odd day when I'm off work: sleep in until 9-11am, take a quick cold shower and air dry my hair in the park under the shade of trees while sipping the first cup of coffee and listening to calming/lively music, depending on mood. I wish I could do that every day.

Though I've yet to spend a full day outside this summer (was supposed to today but it got cancelled), when I do, I plan on using Aveeno Active Naturals Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55. I'm not particular about body sunscreen except that it be creamy and relatively easy to rub into the skin. I used to like the spray kind but found they're not as effective because you tend to miss little corners here and there that show up later as embarrassing triangle patches of burns. Using cream really ensures that you protect every inch of visible skin.

As for makeup, I've ditched the heavy liquids and gone the way of powder foundations. Through more diligent skin care routine, I'm breaking out less and old scars are finally starting to fade. After prepping my skin with trusty old Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (for reviews, see here and here), I rely primarily on SilkyGirl Magic BB Powder Foundation in 03 Medium Beige (review) to even out skin and cover blemishes. While it was almost a perfect match during winter/spring, it's a bit light for my skin now and I'm having to darken my face with a light dusting of N.Y.C. Smooth & Natural Matte Powder Foundation in 733U Metro Tan, which I scooped it up for $4 (!!!) after I came back too tanned from my mega Asia vacation. (Though it claims to be a foundation, the NYC is light in coverage and acts better as colour-corrective powder for me.) As for the MUFE Duo Mat, I'm doing my damnest to finish it but it will not die. Argh.

(By the way, this picture was taken several months ago and the MUFE is almost finished and the SilkyGirl BB has hit massive pan. Yay!)

As for nails, it's not like I don't have a lot of options (see my updated nail polish inventory here)... but I couldn't resist the allure of Chanel Nail Colour in Holiday which became my guilty July splurge. And you guys? It's FANTABULOUS. I tweeted this pic meaning to showcase the ring but everyone wanted to know what the nail polish was.

Moving out of beauty products, I give you my $7 faux-leather thong sandals from Forever 21. Honestly, it's the handiest footwear ever. It goes with everything and doesn't look as casual as plastic flip flops. I've had it for about 3 years now and it's still sturdy and strong. I never dreamt that it would last this long or bring me this much joy.

And in the entertainment zone, I've been watching old episodes of The Graham Norton Show, which is 1000 times more entertaining and informative than any North American talk shows. See for yourself. (Also, any show with Ewan McGregor and/or Chris O'Dowd is going to be a blast, no matter the host.)

Now that I've gotten this post out of my head, it's time for me to return to my 600-page novel that I've been ignoring all weekend. Tell me what you're enjoying lately, and seriously: isn't Graham Norton awesome??

40 comments:

For some reason, I've always been kind of afraid of powder foundations--I really prefer the natural look of a liquid. But lately I've taken it upon myself to find my "HG" powder/mineral foundation. I was curious about the MUFE one--but it's a no-go for you?? I am currently using the bareMinerals Matte foundation after giving the Original a go (my face got WAY too greasy after an hour or two of wear). The Matte is ok...I definitely don't love it and I'm having a hard time with an even, non-cakey application :/ I wish that Asian one were available here--just read your review of it and it sounds lovely!

I was afraid for a long time as well! Mostly because they lacked pigmentation to cover my acne scar and I also felt liquid covered better while looking more natural. But powder is so easy to apply that the lazy side of me much prefer it when it's hot and difficult to fiddle with makeup. I've tried loose mineral before and don't like it either. :(

Holiday is gorgeous, for sure. As for the sandals, woohoo, score! I like quality boots but for slippers, I tend to buy whatever. Some of the best buys I've made are from Target - usually around $15-20 and they last for years, too!

Yeah, summer is when you really save on money when it comes to fashion. I searched high and low for my perfect winter boots and they have served me well for the past five years! Coats and outer gear like that are definitely worth the splurge.

What I love most about it is that it's so much less scripted than North American talk shows. I'm sure they do edit and filter but the conversations are so natural and actually relevant. One of my favourite things is when Graham loses patience and goes berserk on the red chair! :D

Ooh I've got a little crush on Ewan McGregor - it's that cheeky grin he flashes. It's so disarming!!! I'm still suffering BB envy over that powder version of yours. I love powder formulations over all else :)

I love that perfume! Now that reminds me, I haven't worn it in ages! Hmm... I'm glad those sandals are working out so well for you! I find that cheaper sandals are usually too flat/not enough support for me and always make my arches feel tortured by the end of summer. Not to say I won't wear them but I have so far avoided buying any this year!

I guess I have a rather low arch, though there was a time I used to live in high heels. They don't bother me - but then again I don't take walks for longer than 20 minutes on a regular basis. As long as ankle straps keep the sandals on the feet, I don't mind!

My eyes definitely go STRAIGHT to your nails in that picture LOL. It is a lovely ring though. But that shade of polish! Sooo good. I've just discovered the joy of t-strap sandals this year, although I was unaware that F21 carried them. Got mine from Aerosoles, the footbed is nice cushy suede. Hope you finish up those powders soon! I agree, those just refuse to die. Grrrr.

I know what you mean about surprise purchases...it could have been a "functional" buy but it then turns out to be the best thing ever...I love it when that happens. Love that nail colour btw, I got Essie's Clambake which is a similar shade which I can't wait to wear.

Isn't it funny, but realistic, how we change make up in the summer. I am using powder and finishing up some BB cream and Daywear. But it's never ending. They're all to keep up with that golden cast that I have in the summer. I like the spray sunscreen to be honest.

I don't have Chanel's Holiday, but I think I may pop on Essie's Clam Bake. It's a gel like (jelly if you will) orangey red, super pretty.

I love Graham Norton, I think he tried it in the U.S. and it didn't work out. I didn't really get into it then, but now I think that guy is hysterical. Plus Scottish boys, love...absolutely lovely. Sigh, we need some Scottish boys Liz. Just to have a drink and a laugh with.

I didn't realize Graham tried to make it in the States. But I can see why it wouldn't work. I'd so love to be in his audience. And it's so cool that they drink on the show - he always has white wine and I love seeing which celebrity drinks what. Patrick Stewart got adorably buzzed with red cheeks in one episode. :D And yes to Scottish boys. How is it that they're all so singularly clever and devilishly charming?

I think it's the accent and their flirtatious nature that really tickles us. And they seem to have a good sense of humor. A good laugh is quite important. I like to see what folks drink too, I know it's not scientific but it tells you about them a little. Or at least I like to think of it that way. They need to have a rent a boyfriend service. I don't really want to own one, but it's nice for the occasional whim. And then I can switch them out, like you do jewelry and lipstick. Yes, men as accessories, what do you think?

Yay for cheap shoes that last forever! I got a pair of sandals from Target, like, 4 years ago and they're still going strong. It hasn't yet gotten hot enough here for me to start opting for powder foundation, but the day may come...though given how weird our weather's been this summer, it may also never get above 80, which would be a-okay by me!

Wouldn't you know it - just as I brag about how sturdy they are, I notice the beginning of some wear and tear. Or maybe it's because I overwore it this summer more than all the previous years combined!

How did I miss this post?? I can't believe you're not loving the heatwave you guys have had! I love British TV so much more than ours. We watch a lot of it on YT like QI, Never MInd The Buzzcocks, Would I Lie To You-love them!

I picked up some Aveeno Sensitive Skin sunscreen a couple months back, and because it contained physical 'screens, it made me look ashy white lol - I managed to return it, thankfully! I hope these are not guilty of the same problem.

SO HAPPY FOR YOU that you bought Holiday, yay!! I didn't see the tweet pic (so terrible at social media) but I can imagine it looks fantabulous on you. You need to have a fun splurge here and there my dear!

I have a pair of similar sandals that I have worn into the ground - unfortunately I think mine are on their last legs and I'm scared to death because I love them so! You can't beat a wearable pair of summer thongs!

I still haven't been able to wear these sunscreen yet due to lack of time spent in the sun. :( I don't care too much about looking ashy though as they're for the body and do the job properly. I was a little ambitious in buying two of them. Sheesh.

Wouldn't you know it but those sandals are finally starting to fall apart. They're still hanging in there but as soon as I brag about them - BAM.